Formed by ex-members of Blocko, Former Cell Mates, Pure Graft, and the Mercury League in 2011, Bear Trade came about when frontman and guitarist Greg Robson wrote a wealth of material that prompted him to start a new band. Initially joined by drummer Peter Morley and guitarist Callum Goldsbrough, the three-piece needed a full-time bassist, and after a chance meeting between Robson and Lloyd Chambers at a mutual friend's wedding, the band was complete. With rehearsal sessions at Nile Street in Sunderland under their belts, the band headed out in support of their new material, playing shows with the likes of Latterman and Bridge & Tunnel as well as headlining their own gigs throughout the U.K. Invited to play Fest 11 in Gainesville, Florida in late 2012, the band embarked on a U.S. tour and at the same time inked a deal with American label Dead Broke to release the six-track album Hip Flask Life on limited cassette and download. In 2013 Japanese label Waterslide issued another version of the album under the title Whisky on a Bluebird and newly formed U.K. label Everything Sucks released a shortened 7" version featuring four tracks from the record. Heading back into the studio on Nile Street the group set about recording their debut album. Released in early May 2014, Blood and Sand received positive reviews for its mix of melodic punk rock that drew influence from the bandmembers' history within the U.K. punk scene. ~ Rich Wilson